Effects of Body Mass and Morphology on Thermal Responses in Water,
Abstract
Ten male volunteers were divided into two groups based on body size and weight. The large body mass (LM) group (n=5) was 16.3 Kg heavier and 24 sq. m/kg. smaller in surface area-to-weight ratio (P<0.05) than the small body mass group (n=5). Both groups were similar in total body fat and skinfold thicknesses (P>0.05). All individuals were immersed for 1 h in water at 26 deg C during both rest and one intensity of exercise. During resting exposures, metabolic rate, mean-heat flow, and rectal temperature were not different (P>0.05) between the LM and SM groups at min 60. Esophageal temperature was higher (P<0.05) for the SM groups at min 60, though the change in Esophageal temp during the 60 min between groups was similar (LM, -0.4 deg C; SM, -0.2 deg C). Similarly during exercise the above data were not different (P>0.05) between groups at min 60. These data illustrates that moderate differences in body size and weight between individuals from a given population do not effect thermal responses in water. Also, studies contrasting dissimilar populations such as men and women should consider alternative explanations for differing thermal responses when body size differences are of similar magnitude as presently reported.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA147558
Entities
People
- K. B. Pandolf
- M. E. Foley
- M. M. Toner
- Michael N. Sawka
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine